Wcs [Archive] - Dance Forums

GJB

01-31-2007, 11:28 PM

Benji and Heidi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-QgnkARnTQ

Benji and Lacey Schwimmer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Mz3gJwd7M

John Lindo and Blake Hobby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcdV8cESWUs

Ben Morris and Melina Ramirez

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n8zJBIfw98

Jessica Cox and Parker Dearborn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s2qGRwQnm8

Jordan and Tatianna & Jessica and Parker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zeNz-JuMRg

samina

01-31-2007, 11:42 PM

wow... i so enjoyed the two benji vids, and the john lindo/blake hobby video... wonderful!

thanks for sharing, gjb... inspiring, fun, joyful, and great energy!

GJB

02-01-2007, 12:08 AM

Samina, glad you enjoyed! There have been posts in the past about WCS and Hustle and some people said they don't like or get these dances so I thought I'd post some good examples.

BTW, John Lindo regularly DJs in NY and NJ so you can catch him in action. And, Blake is awesome. I love to dance with her.

GJB

02-01-2007, 02:04 AM

John Lindo and Deborah Szekely

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFNnjqqqjg4

Brent and Kellese Key

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kzK5gbDEcI

Robert Royston and Laureen Baldovi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1WOIm6_yK0

Kyle Redd and Sarah Van Drake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nosy-BMU3vM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4yscig0fa8

waltzgirl

02-01-2007, 02:22 AM

It was especially impressive to watch the Jack & Jill's. I wish we had those more in ballroom (though I would find it terrifying).

GJB

02-01-2007, 02:41 AM

Jordan Frisbee and Tatianna Mollman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb3N1iWIHZc&NR

GJB

02-01-2007, 02:43 AM

It was especially impressive to watch the Jack & Jill's. I wish we had those more in ballroom (though I would find it terrifying).

I usually like the improvisational divisions (Jack & Jill and Strictly Swing) better too. And, I would love to see a Pro Latin Jack and Jill !

samina

02-01-2007, 08:48 AM

BTW, John Lindo regularly DJs in NY and NJ so you can catch him in action. And, Blake is awesome. I love to dance with her.

yeah, these two so impressed me... still thinking about them. that's *dancing*

GJB

02-01-2007, 03:49 PM

Some more improvisational WCS. Note the musical interpretation.

Michael Kiehm and Doborah Szekely dancing to LL Cool J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkK794naWy4

Benji Schwimmer and Deborah Szekely

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkiMpEv8eLw

Jordan Frisbee and Lacey Schwimmer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BhXwikFh_w&NR

Jack and Jill from a comp in Houston

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCwhsW4HIis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t2GpyiuybQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vOFXnLaGkw

samina

02-01-2007, 04:28 PM

only watched the first set... will have to watch the rest that you posted.

i just spent 40 minutes reviewing these (and a few others) with my colleague, a longtime competitive wcs-er (he can name everyone in the background of the videos, along with their personal histories & idiocyncracies *lol*).

the only thing i know about wcs are the basics he taught me (without dancing them with me) a couple months ago, and maybe the 5 minutes i've danced it with BF, but he posed a technical question about WCS foot movement and we had fun looking at the vids & sorting things out.

what a resource this thread is for wcs-lovers. :)

GJB

02-01-2007, 04:35 PM

Glad you are enjoying. At least watch the first two of the last set - Deborah can improvise !!!

Ithink

02-02-2007, 11:56 AM

There is ALWAYS improv in WCS except for Classic/Showcase routines. Both the strictly swing (known partner, unknown music) and Jack and jills ( unknown partner and music) are extremely muscially itnerpretive and improvisational. That is one of the main goals of WCS - to hit breaks, slow down, speed up with the music, to interpret with your body (yes, your entire body!) what the music does, etc.

Yes, Deborah is pretty good at hitting music but they all are. Tatiana is amazing at it. So are Melina and Melissa, they all are. When I went to Swing Diego a few weeks ago I saw them all dance and let me tell you - I wish ballroom could sometimes be like that - so free and musical. But alas, it's only one dance, ballroom has many and all are so technical only the best dancers in the world can hope to interpret music on the fly like that...

GJB

02-02-2007, 02:15 PM

There is ALWAYS improv in WCS except for Classic/Showcase routines. Both the strictly swing (known partner, unknown music) and Jack and jills ( unknown partner and music) are extremely muscially itnerpretive and improvisational. That is one of the main goals of WCS - to hit breaks, slow down, speed up with the music, to interpret with your body (yes, your entire body!) what the music does, etc.

Yes, I know. The last group of videos I linked to where I mentioned improvisation were all Jack and Jills or Strictly Swings. I wouldn't say they/we are all good at it. But, it's something everyone strives for from the beginning.

Thanks for your explanation. It verbalizes what I hoped the videos would demonstrate to those who have not had exposure to WCS as it is danced on the NASDE circuit and socially as well.

reb

02-03-2007, 02:57 AM

These were fun to watch. Great connections and dancing!

waltzgirl

02-03-2007, 03:05 AM

I had the transcendent pleasure of dancing with Michael Kiehm once. OMG!

samina

02-06-2007, 06:28 PM

I had the transcendent pleasure of dancing with Michael Kiehm once. OMG!

wow. was very impressed with him... what a sharp dancer...

samina

02-06-2007, 06:29 PM

watched everything... whatta pleasure!

GJB

02-06-2007, 08:11 PM

I had the transcendent pleasure of dancing with Michael Kiehm once. OMG!

I took a lesson with Michael and Mari once. But, it was a long time ago. Can't remember much. He did complement my lead though : )

GJB

02-06-2007, 08:11 PM

watched everything... whatta pleasure!

Wow! I will have to see if I can find some more : )

GJB

02-06-2007, 09:38 PM

NOT WCS. But Pretty Amazin! Ethan can fly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo3_U4jquTk

dancesportgirl21

02-06-2007, 09:44 PM

I love that last scene. I really like another scene when the guys are challenging each other with jumps. Still, I have to say that Baryshnikov is my favorite non-ballroom male dancer of all time. He doesn't jump, he flies ;)

bjp22tango

02-09-2007, 01:33 AM

Still, I have to say that Baryshnikov is my favorite non-ballroom male dancer of all time. He doesn't jump, he flies ;)

Ditto

GJB

04-28-2007, 07:20 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4J8C2Ka-ls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kT_qQEa-bo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiV3hSHICaE

White Chacha

04-30-2007, 08:35 AM

Well, the benji vids seems to have been removed for violation of terms... or so the page says when I click on the links (1st posting).

samina

04-30-2007, 10:02 AM

Still, I have to say that Baryshnikov is my favorite non-ballroom male dancer of all time. He doesn't jump, he flies ;)

*sigh*.... felt that way when i was 15... still do... *sigh again*

samina

04-30-2007, 10:03 AM

hey GJB... thanks for those vids... enjoyed'em! :)

GJB

04-16-2009, 05:03 PM

Long time no new WCS videos ! So here's are few:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiZJT3I7ays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyxvsoOTb4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-WqQphhFPk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqJvQuKdZ-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMHpJMBof_s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9nd0zDox5I

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 05:24 PM

Is this all West Coast swing?

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 05:29 PM

great videos!!! I have never seen the swing like that. i am falling in love

GJB

04-16-2009, 05:34 PM

Is this all West Coast swing?

Yes, it's all WCS! You can find this style in NJ and NYC. There are regular dances in NYC. And, there is a WCS comp. coming up in NJ in Sept.: www.HudsonSwingAffair.com

Terpsichorean Clod

04-16-2009, 05:39 PM

Is this all West Coast swing?Yes, it's all WCS! You can find this style in NJ and NYC. There are regular dances in NYC. And, there is a WCS comp. coming up in NJ in Sept.: www.HudsonSwingAffair.com (http://www.HudsonSwingAffair.com)
Well, since you'll be visiting California soon... ;)

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 05:55 PM

Well, since you'll be visiting California soon... ;)

I got the same idea:bouncy::bouncy::bouncy:May I should try that one.

I have tried just learning basic steps a while ago. If I have seen something like that I may stick with the dance longer. Looks soo cool

Ithink

04-16-2009, 06:01 PM

No, the good WCS comp that's coming up in NJ is Liberty Swing in June (19-21 I believe). Hudson Swing Affair is more lindy/balboa focused, I believe...

And yes, I am TOTALLY and completely in LOVE with WCS. It's the best partner dance (and this coming from a very serious ballroom competitor)!

Kyle & Sarah's video is awesome, love those two... And why does Jason Colacino have to basically quit WCS just as I got into it. His dancing is so amazing!

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:06 PM

I forgot about Liberty. Lindo didn't run it last year. I have to put it on my calendar.

Hudson Swing Affair is WCS too but Festa likes the old school music. And, Festa will have some good instructor there. I danced with Charlotte Bott, Maryann Nunez, and Jackie McGee there last year!

So, Ithink we are gonna have to WCS one of these days!

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:17 PM

More more more. How do you like it? Oh, wait that's disco. Ha Ha Ha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f6cFEOLt3o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZyIzTDpnYg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdYnXQRjTX8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szAXZPJcMsI

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:19 PM

And why does Jason Colacino have to basically quit WCS just as I got into it. His dancing is so amazing!

I saw on the internet that Jason just recently taught a class in NYC. And he posted some videos on youtube recently so I guess he's still doing it. And, yeah he's awesome.

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 06:26 PM

Thank you for sharing this videos. I love the overall movement of this dance, soo smoth. Sometimes, just like a moon walk

How the girls keep spinning like that under their partner's hand?

Ithink

04-16-2009, 06:32 PM

That's one of the things about WCS that I've yet to master, the "finger spins" as they are called.

As the female you have to be really balanced over your foot. As the man, you have to be really good at leading it:) There are a few women who are able to magically do it almost on their own (like that amazing "oddity" Tat;)) but most women need to be well led to do it.

GJB, name the time and the place:) I'm there. Probably not gonna be at Liberty though even though it's an awesome event! You should have come to MadJam last month...

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:38 PM

GJB, name the time and the place:) I'm there. Probably not gonna be at Liberty though even though it's an awesome event!

I was gonna say Liberty! I checked out the website. Looks like Lindo has got LOTs of the top dancers/instructors lined up! I guess we'll have to try and squeeze one in at a ballroom comp. - music probably won't be as good though.

I was on vacation in Fla during MadJam otherwise I'd have gone. I've never been to that one but it looks really good.

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 06:38 PM

Could figure skating help mastering those spins?

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Could figure skating help mastering those spins?

Anything that teaches you how to spot would be perfect!

Ithink

04-16-2009, 06:42 PM

GJB: Liberty was VERY fun when I went in '06. But it was also a great hotel right on the water overlooking downtown Manhattan from Jersey City... It's not there anymore.

JD: Some of the westie girls don't spot. Also, I am quite sure figure skaters don't - no way you can spot going that fast!

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 06:43 PM

What is "spot" ?

Ithink

04-16-2009, 06:44 PM

Avoiding getting dizzy from turning by turning the head only after the body has almost completed a full turn.

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:48 PM

GJB: Liberty was VERY fun when I went in '06. But it was also a great hotel right on the water overlooking downtown Manhattan from Jersey City... It's not there anymore.

I took Max and Yulia there several years ago to compete in the show dance. The won with their Bird number. Audience went wild ! The WCS crowd is a great audience!

With the lineup John has I'm sure it will be fun this year too ! Are you sure you can't go. You could take some Standard lessons during the day and dance WCS at night and really make a trip of it !

jerseydancer

04-16-2009, 06:49 PM

Avoiding getting dizzy from turning by turning the head only after the body has almost completed a full turn.

Like in ballet pivots, right?

Ithink

04-16-2009, 06:54 PM

Maybe, if I can convince my partner to go we can and take with GG while we're there;) The hotel is probably sold out by now, though:(

I heard about Max and Yulia in 2006 (they went and won it in 2005, right?) when I went:) People who attended (since they attend all the events) kept talking about "that ballroom couple that won last year", lol...

GJB

04-16-2009, 06:59 PM

You can always find another hotel.

I'm losing track of time but it was probably around 2005 that M&Y danced there.

GJB

04-16-2009, 11:25 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8GwMx9OmFw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GVCZKMsKb8

GJB

04-17-2009, 12:50 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b9Bv8sdR1I

contracheck

04-17-2009, 10:37 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b9Bv8sdR1I

It looks like you have a vast collection of dance tapes, dance books, and dance magazines under the sun. If I need any dance reference, I am going to go to you.

GJB

04-18-2009, 06:53 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IDvtx_5v8M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GVCZKMsKb8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vp1mtcBqy0

samina

04-18-2009, 08:34 PM

Yes, it's all WCS! You can find this style in NJ and NYC. There are regular dances in NYC. And, there is a WCS comp. coming up in NJ in Sept.: www.HudsonSwingAffair.com

awesome, just luv it